Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is a great way to improve an existing mattress without having to spend a lot of money. A mattress topper or mattress pad is generally 3-7cm thick and is designed to lie on top of the mattress that you already have. They come in a variety of different fillings, some natural such as duck down, goose down, silk and lambs wool, and some man-made such as micro-fibres, latex and foam.

Many people buy them as an easy way of adding warmth and comfort to their bed, especially if they are finding their current mattress a bit too firm or their old mattress a bit too uncomfortable.

Mattress toppers made from natural materials are a luxurious addition to any bed.

Goose and duck down

Goose and duck down are traditional fillings, which offer a cosy layer of natural warmth and softness. They tend to require professional cleaning which is off-putting to some. A luxury alternative to natural down is micro-fibre down, ideal for allergy suffers who still want the benefits of a natural feeling mattress topper.

Wool

Wool is another popular choice for mattress toppers; especially because of the way it naturally regulates heat and moisture. On hot, muggy summer nights wool will wick moisture away from your body, helping to keep you cool and dry, while in winter months wools ability to trap air between it's fibres and act as a natural insulator will retain body heat and keep you snug and warm. Wool is machine washable and some wool toppers are naturally dust mite repellant.

Silk mattress toppers

Silk mattress toppers are good for chemical sensitivity suffers and may be naturally dust mite resistant. 100% silk toppers can be expensive and thinner than other mattress toppers with the added inconvenience of being dry-clean only.

Mattress toppers with a man made filling provide additional support when compared to toppers with a natural filling.

Foam and latex toppers are currently the most popular choice of mattress topper. They have ventilation holes in them to increase comfort and support and to help regulate airflow and temperature. Many have removable, washable covers and are inherently hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial.

Best of all, mattress toppers are portable. Even if a new mattress is bought a topper can still be used. Simply roll them up and take them with you whether it is a caravanning holiday, visiting relatives or creating some extra sleeping space when you have people stay over.

It should be noted that mattress toppers can improve the comfort of almost any mattress but they can't perform miracles. If your existing mattress is old and sagging with springs coming through then it would be best to invest in a new mattress.

Allergy suffers should look for a hypoallergenic topper that can be easily washed.